It’s autumn beer season again, meaning Oktoberfests and pumpkin beers. This season is the Christmas of craft beer. It’s the most popular season and comes earlier every year.

I saw Magic Hat Hex as early as three weeks ago, and since then most other seasonals have showed up, including my own. The only popular one I haven’t seen in stores yet is Sam Adams, and I’ve heard that’s out too. Traditionally Oktoberfest, the real one in Munich for the last 201 years, is celebrated for the 16 days prior to the first Sunday in October.

It’s my favorite season as well. This is why I chose an Oktoberfest to brew as my wedding favor. Two of my favorite brands are Sam Adams and Brooklyn, although there are plenty of other tasty and excellent varieties out there. I’m not as big a fan of the pumpkin ales, but I’m interested to try Six Point’s Autumnation now that it’s going to be available in cans that I can get without going to the right bar. Interestingly, the third Google result for Six Point Pumpkin is a post about how if you don’t like pumpkin ales you’ll like this, although it refers to last year’s variety.

So lots of fun and interesting beers to try. I just hope they stick around long enough for me to try enough of them before the next beer season rolls around!

I get a kick out of spotting specific craft beers (And non craft beers) in movies and television shows even though they often try to not to specifically focus on the beer label.

Sometimes you can even identify the city early by the beer. This happened in the movie “He’s Just Not That Into You”. An early scene features two people in a supermarket, and one of them is purchasing a six-pack of Clipper City and I knew it was set in Baltimore.

Most recently I spotted Shiner Bock, a famous Texas craft beer, on an episode of True Blood. (In Shreveport, LA) Alcide drank it with the pack leader Marcus.

I have no idea what prompts the producers to use these beers. Perhaps someone on set is a beer lover and they reuse the empty bottles for the show. Maybe they’re looking for something with a little local flair and think it makes a fun prop and they want the character to be a craft beer drinker. Perhaps they’re just annoyed Budweiser turned them down for a sponsorship.

Whatever the reason, whenever I see a different beer can or bottle on my television or in a movie I try to identify it. It’s a fun little game to play, although you shouldn’t forget to pay attention to what the characters are doing. I’ve had to rewind a show many times because of that.